Swedish Apple Pie: A Delightful Crustless Apple Crisp Dessert

There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of apples and cinnamon baking, especially when it signals the arrival of a delightful dessert. Swedish Apple Pie, also affectionately known as Apple Crisp Pie, offers a unique and irresistible twist on traditional apple desserts. Imagine a sweet treat that perfectly bridges the gap between a classic apple pie and a rustic apple crisp – that’s precisely what this recipe delivers. With its rich, buttery texture and apples infused with the warm spices of cardamom and cinnamon, it’s an absolutely amazing creation destined to become a fall favorite in your kitchen.

What sets this Swedish Apple Pie apart is its elegant simplicity. It’s crustless, eliminating a often time-consuming step in traditional pie making, which means you can enjoy this delectable dessert sooner. The journey to culinary bliss begins with a standard 9-inch pie pan, layered generously with four cups of perfectly chopped, firm apples. These apples are not just any apples; they are lovingly tossed with a harmonious blend of cinnamon, sugar, and the distinctive, aromatic spice known as cardamom. This apple foundation is then crowned with a wonderfully delicious oat crisp topping, baked to golden perfection, creating a symphony of textures and flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.

Effortless Elegance: Why This Apple Pie is a Must-Try

You’ll be thrilled to discover how simple this Swedish Apple Pie is to prepare, and even more thrilled by its exquisite taste. Apples in desserts are universally loved, and for good reason! Their natural sweetness, slight tartness, and ability to hold their shape during baking make them an ideal ingredient for a wide array of sweet creations. From the simplest baked apples to the most decadent tarts, apples reign supreme as a quintessential fall fruit that no one can resist.

Beyond their deliciousness, apples also come with a hint of folklore and health benefits. As the old adage goes, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away,” and while we’re indulging in a dessert here, we can certainly appreciate getting our apple fix in any form! This recipe allows you to enjoy the goodness of apples in a truly satisfying and memorable way.

One of the best things about this Swedish Apple Pie with oats is its versatility in serving. It’s utterly delightful served warm, allowing the buttery oat topping and spiced apples to truly shine. For an extra touch of indulgence, pair a warm slice with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream, letting it melt slightly into the warm filling, creating an irresistible creamy contrast. Alternatively, a drizzle of homemade vanilla sauce can elevate this dessert to new heights. But don’t let these suggestions limit you; it’s perfectly yummy and satisfying all on its own, whether served warm, at room temperature, or even chilled.

The Enchanting Spice: Understanding Cardamom

If you’re new to the world of cardamom, prepare to be captivated by its strong, unique, and incredibly aromatic profile. Cardamom offers a complex flavor, characterized by spicy, herbal, and subtly citrusy notes. It’s a spice that beautifully complements other warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and clove, making it a star in many global cuisines, especially in apple-based desserts where it adds an unexpected depth and warmth.

Cardamom holds a special place in baking, particularly in the Nordic countries such as Sweden and Finland. It’s a key ingredient in traditional treats like the Scandinavian Jule bread (Julekake), the delightful Swedish “kardemummabullar” sweet bun, and the beloved Finnish sweet bread known as “pulla.” Its presence in these recipes adds an unmistakable fragrant quality that evokes a sense of tradition and comfort.

Beyond Northern Europe, green cardamom powder is a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine, used not only to flavor sweet dishes but also as a traditional aromatic in coffee and tea. Its versatility extends to savory dishes across various cultures, from curries in India to rice dishes in the Middle East. It truly is a global spice with a rich history and an incredible flavor impact.

For those hesitant to try a new spice, rest assured: this Swedish Apple Pie will be just as delicious without cardamom. However, if you’re seeking a subtle adventure for your palate and wish to experience an authentic touch in your Swedish Apple Pie, then we highly encourage you to give cardamom a try. Its distinctive flavor will elevate the apple and cinnamon combination, adding an intriguing layer of complexity that makes this dessert truly special.

Crafting Your Perfect Swedish Apple Pie: Tips for Success

Making this pie is straightforward, but a few tips can ensure your dessert is absolutely perfect every time. Choosing the right apples is crucial: opt for firm baking apples that hold their shape well, such as Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Fuji, or Braeburn. A mix of sweet and tart apples can also create a more dynamic flavor profile.

The beauty of the oat topping lies in its texture. Using old-fashioned rolled oats provides a satisfying chewiness, but quick oats can also work in a pinch for a finer crumb. For those with dietary considerations, gluten-free oats and oat flour are excellent substitutes, ensuring everyone can enjoy a slice of this heavenly dessert.

Don’t be afraid to customize! While cinnamon and cardamom are traditional, a pinch of nutmeg or allspice could also be added to the apple layer for even more warmth. If you enjoy a bit of crunch, the optional walnuts in the topping add a wonderful textural element and nutty flavor that complements the apples perfectly.

Ingredients You Need

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this mouth-watering Swedish Apple Pie. You’ll find most of these staples in your pantry, making this a convenient dessert to whip up for any occasion.

Apple Layer

• 4 cups firm baking apples (approximately 4 medium apples), peeled, cored, and chopped into ¼-inch chunks
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ¾ teaspoon ground cardamom (optional, but highly recommended for authentic flavor)
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

Topping

• 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (or your preferred baking oil for a dairy-free option)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup pure maple syrup
• 1 ½ tablespoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 ¼ cups old-fashioned rolled oats (ensure they are certified gluten-free if needed)
• ¾ cup plus 1 ½ tablespoons oat flour (or gluten-free oat flour)
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
• Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts, for added crunch and flavor

How to Make Apple Crisp Pie

Follow these simple steps to bring your Swedish Apple Pie to life. The process is designed to be easy and enjoyable, even for novice bakers.

For the pie

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly butter a 9-inch deep-dish pie pan to prevent sticking and ensure a beautiful golden crust.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped apple chunks, ground cinnamon, ground cardamom (if using), and granulated sugar. If you are adding nuts, stir them in with the apples at this stage. Toss gently until the apples are evenly coated with the spices and sugar.
3. In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter (or oil), granulated sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until well combined and smooth.
4. Add the rolled oats, oat flour, baking powder, and salt to the wet ingredients. Stir gently with a spoon or spatula until all ingredients are just combined and a crumbly topping forms. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Evenly spread the spiced apple mixture over the bottom of the prepared pie pan. Ensure the apples form a consistent layer.
6. Carefully spoon the oat topping mixture over the apples, spreading it out to cover the entire surface. You want to create an even layer of crisp topping.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the topping is deeply golden brown and the apples are tender when pierced with a fork. You should see the apple juices bubbling up around the edges.
8. Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. It can be served warm, at room temperature, or even cold from the refrigerator.
9. To store, cover the pie loosely with foil or plastic wrap and keep at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Flour Substitution for Swedish Apple Pie with Oats

If you don’t have oat flour on hand, there’s no need to make an extra trip to the store. Making your own oat flour from rolled oats is incredibly simple and takes just a few moments.

• To create oat flour, simply place old-fashioned rolled oats into a food processor or a high-speed blender. Process them on high until they reach a fine, flour-like consistency. Measure out the required amount from your freshly made oat flour.

Discover More Irresistible Apple Dessert Ideas!

If you’ve fallen in love with the comforting flavors of this Swedish Apple Pie, you’re in for a treat! Apples are incredibly versatile, lending themselves to countless delicious desserts. Explore these other fantastic apple recipes to satisfy your sweet cravings:

• German Spiced Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
• Heavenly Baked Apple Dumplings
• Salted Caramel Chip Apple Blondies
• Easy Dutch Crumble Apple Pie Bars
• Caramel Glazed Apple Crumble Coffee Cake
• Apple Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake
• Apple Crisp Cheesecake Bars
• For even more inspiration, be sure to check out our extensive collection of 45 Must-Try Best Apple Dessert Recipes!